'Travelling criminal' drove hundreds of miles to plunder Lancashire businesses for cash

A 'travelling criminal' who drove hundreds of miles of raid businesses in Lancashire for 'large quantities of cash' has been jailed.

Martin Brown targeted premises in Blackpool, Cleveleys and Kirkham after driving from the North East of England. The 60-year-old forced entry into the premises during the burglary spree before being identified by members of the Fylde Rural Task Force and Blackpool Neighbourhood Policing Team.

When officers seized Brown's car they recovered over £5,300 in cash. He was found guilty at Preston Crown Court for numerous commercial burglaries and sentenced to three years and four months in prison

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In a statement issued yesterday (May 20), a force spokesperson said: "Brown used a vehicle to drive to particular locations and would target business properties in Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde. Brown forced entry to the properties and stole large quantities of cash from within.

"During the investigation, officers have managed to identify Brown, who is a travelling criminal from the North East of England. Upon being identified he was swiftly located and arrested, thanks to the hard work put into the investigation by the Fylde Rural Task Force officers, PC 4205 Pearson and PC 4225 Boyle, alongside PC 5808 Howgate from Blackpool Neighbourhood Team.

"Officers seized Brown's motor vehicle in the process and recovered over £5,300 in cash, under the proceeds of crime act. Fylde Rural Task Force continue to tackle the crimes that impact local communities and remain committed to investigating acquisitive crime and bringing offenders to justice.